Minister of the Economy and Undersecretary of Tourism Inaugurated Major Tourism Business Meeting Fair of Latin America
The Minister of the Economy, José Ramón Valente, and the Undersecretary of Tourism, Mónica Zalaquett, headed today’s launch of FIEXPO XI. With other Latin American tourism authorities, they did a walking tour of the event space that brings together 17 countries and 215 international buyers.
In the central hall of CasaPiedra, Minister of the Economy José Ramón Valente, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Eleventh International Fair of Business Meetings and Incentive Tours of Latin America and the Caribbean, FIEXPO 2018. He was joined by Tourism Undersecretary Mónica Zalaquett, and the directors of FIEXPO Latin America, Sergio Baritussio and Arnaldo Nardone.
The event, which continued through June 6th, brought together 17 participating countries this year. It is recognized as the largest platform for venues and organisers of fairs, exhibitions, conventions, congresses, business meetings and incentive tours in the Region, serving as a link between the major destinations and companies of the international tourism industry.
After the inauguration ceremony, Economy Minister José Ramón Valente emphasized that “we all want a country that attracts more tourists. Tourism is a clean industry, it is an attractive industry, it is a fun industry. It is therefore an exceptionally good decision to promote tourism for Chile, given our country’s excellent tourism potential."
Regarding the event, Tourism Undersecretary Mónica Zalaquett pointed out that “business tourism is a key area for the economic development of cities because it helps reduce the seasonality of destinations and generates resources, thanks to the high levels of expenditure that business travellers, in particular, have. Thanks to this initiative, Chile will be the poster child of the advantages that Latin America has to offer as a venue for high-end international events, and we will continue to consolidate the country as a unique destination for business tourism".
The Fair has been the setting for the signing by Minister Valente and Paraguay's Tourism Minister, Marcela Bacigalupo, of a technical cooperation agreement, through which the Paraguayan tourism authority will provide information on its programs of tourist inns, Young Tourism and the Multi-Destination Jesuit Route. In turn, the Chilean Tourism Undersecretary's Office will share its experience in implementing its Quality and Safety Classification System of Tourism Service Providers.
During this second version of FIEXPO held in Santiago, Latin American destinations will be promoted as venues and organisers for international events to over 215 buyers from Canada, Spain, the United States and Latin America. In addition, according to the organisers, this year there was 25% growth in hosted buyers compared to 2017, indicating the area's tremendous potential.
Chile's Offering in FIEXPO 2018
During FIEXPO 2018, Chile’s stand will comprise 120 square meters, to be manned by a delegation of 27, with participants from 13 tourism companies and 12 convention bureaus– representing the service offering for business meeting tourism in all the regions–aside from two representatives of Sernatur's Regional Offices.
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